Orioles no longer interested in Kurt Suzuki; Dodgers a dark horse?

Kurt Suzuki's trade-deadline fate is up in the air. (David Richard/USA Today Sports)

Kurt Suzuki’s trade-deadline fate is up in the air. (David Richard/USA Today Sports)

The Baltimore Orioles are no longer interested in Kurt Suzuki, according to Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal.

Suzuki, whose .313 batting average leads all qualified major league catchers this season, has been in ongoing contract extension talks with the Twins. However, the two sides are reportedly far apart in their talks and an extension isn’t likely to get done before Thursday’s trade deadline.

Earlier in the week, it was believed that the Cardinals and Orioles were the two most likely suitors for Suzuki. However with the Cardinals signing of catcher A.J. Pierzynski and the Orioles no longer interested, it looks more plausible that Suzuki will stay in Minnesota for the rest of the season. Reports indicate that Twins’ coaches want Suzuki to remain with the team.

The Dodgers could be a dark horse for Suzuki based on a statistical standpoint alone. The Dodgers rank last in the major leagues with a .191 batting average for catchers. Dodgers’ catchers are also tied for the fewest HR (3) and have the second fewest RBI (28) from the position this season. Only the Phillies (28) have fewer RBI from their catchers in 2014. The Dodgers are more focused on getting a starting pitcher at this point, but desperately need help at the catching position.